Anyone who owns or manages a HMO that must be licensed has to apply to the Council for a licence.

The Council must give a licence if it is satisfied that the:

• HMO is reasonably suitable for occupation by the number of people allowed under the licence.

• Proposed licence holder is a fit and proper person.

• Proposed licence holder is the most appropriate person to hold the licence.

• Proposed manager, if there is one, is fit and proper.

• Proposed management arrangements are satisfactory, the person involved in the management of the HMO is competent and the financial structures for the management are suitable.

What does a ‘fit and proper person’ mean?

The Council will carry out checks to make sure that the person applying for the licence is a fit and proper person.  In deciding whether someone is fit and proper the Council must take into account:

• Any previous convictions relating to violence, sexual offences, drugs and fraud.

• Whether the proposed licence holder has broken any laws relating to housing or landlord and tenant issues.

• Whether the person has been found guilty of unlawful discrimination.

• Whether the person has previously managed HMOs that have broken any approved codes of practice.

It is advisable for the landlord or manager to be a member of a professionally recognised body, or an approved landlords association that is affiliated to the National Federation of Residential Landlords.

next »